Distribution patterns in Tc-99m-DPD bone scintigraphies in patients with alkaptonuria

Ziel/Aim Alkaptonuria (AKU) is an ultra-rare inborn disorder of phenylalanine/tyrosine metabolism caused by an autosomally-recessive inherited dysfunction of the enzyme homogentisate-1,2-dioxygenase (OMIM #203500) with probably less than 100 affected patients in Germany. Benzochinone derivates of homogentisate accumulate inter alia in collagenous structures such as cartilage and can lead to severe osteoarthropathy and joint involvement. Here isotope bone scanning is a valuable method for detecting inflammatory bone conditions.